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Perimenopause and SEVERE joint pain - any one else??

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Lesley998
Lesley998

Hi

I am 50 and have been in perimenopause for some time. I just wanted to post here to see if anyone else has suffered extreme joint pain as a result of fluctuating estrogen.

Quick history: regular as clockwork from the age of 13 - up to and after the two pregnancies in my thirties.Then aged 47 I started to get very heavy and irregular periods. Then I went for six months with no period at all, then two very scant light periods in quick succession. I have had nothing now for two months but I do feel as if it might happen soon as sore boobs etc.

I have never had a hot flush. I do however have lots of other peri symptoms, including insomnia, heart palpitations and skipped beats, and a strange 'rushing' or whooshing feeling which starts in the abdomen which I think is an 'adrenal' surge. I also have other vague and odd symptoms, dry eyes and inside my nose, and a really vile taste in my mouth sometimes - I mean really vile, like a chemical taste, unrelated to anything I have eaten. I also have odd tingling skin sometimes, which I can only describe as feeling like 'cold' sunburn!

However, about the joint pain. Three months ago I literally woke up one morning with a sore left arm/elbow. Over a few days, the pain then moved into my shoulders, and I got really worried as if was incredibly painful, and showed no signs of going away, it just got worse and worse. It is worse in the morning when I wake up, I am as stiff as a board. It is on my mind 24/7. Doing normal things is almost impossible - I have problems carrying shopping, drying my hair,walking the dog, driving...everything seems to hurt . I have never suffered from arthritic pain, and I went to the doctor thinking I had some awful bone disease, or even polymyalgia. I was told I had nerve pain!! The GP was terrible and made me feel like a hypochondriac and it was all in my mind. I was told I had good range of movement, and no inflammation. But I am in agony, and i am not imagining it.I made the mistake of asking Dr.Google too, which is never a good idea as I scared myself half to death. I never even thought it could be related to hormones or menopause, as the pain was just SO bad and I had never heard of joint pain being a symptom.I mean I have read than meno can be bad for some women, and I expected hot flushes etc, but I didnt realise it meant pain like this.

Anyway - for the last few weeks I have been having worsening pain which has spread from left elbow and both shoulders, into left hip, both elbows and now my knees. All my joints are cracking and popping loudly and even my husband can hear the awful grating in my neck and my knees....I sound like a one man band as I go up and down the stairs!

I went In for my three yearly Cervical smear on Monday, and could hardly get up on the examining couch I was so stiff and sore. Womans health is dealt with by the Nurse Practitioners in our large practice (15 GP's) and when the NP saw my discomfort she asked me what was wrong. It turns out she has a real interest in womens health, and has been involved in HRT trials and research for many years. She informed me that my symptoms all point to fluctuating estrogen, and possible thyroid involvement. She told me a load of stuff about estrogen and cartilage, dry mucosa etc, the details of which I can't remember now but which made so much sense when she explained it - even down to the foul taste and tingling skin I have also experienced on and off for months which are both known side effects of estrogen surge as the ovaries go a bit haywire. Asmall percentage of women are very receptive to estrogen fluctuations which involve cartilage, which mainly manifest as abnormally severe joint pain/menopausal arthritis but it is not an 'obvious' symptom of perimenopause.

I asked why the GP was no help, and she just raised her eyebrows when I told her which male GP it was, and told me to make another appointment as soon as possible with a specific GP (who must be more knowledgeable about womens health.) Going in tomorrow to see her.

I can't do HRT as I have a heart condition, but maybe I can do estrogen cream, or phytoestrogen/soy.) It could last for a long time I guess until I come out the other side !

So i have not yet been diagnosed, but it sounds like it could be caused by estrogen. Sorry this has been so long....but anyone else out there feel the same way I do???

Lesley.

85 likes, 1485 replies

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  • frankie63934
    frankie63934 Lesley998

    Posted

    Lesley998,

    I am 52 and went of the pill after many years of being on it.  I immediately started the hot flashes too many to count.  About 5 months later, the extreme joint pain started.  I have been dealing with severe joint pain now for about 8 months.  I have believed it to be related to  menapause.  My family doctor refuses to put me on any kind of hormones so I am going to another doctor on Friday.  It took me 3 months to get in to see this other doctor.  I have diagnosed myself several times with different arthritis which didn't show up on any blood test, or fibromyalgia which I am hoping is not the case.  I am hoping to go on some sort of hormone to end the numerous hot flashes and to rid myself of the inflammation of joints and pain I am experiencing.  I will let you know how it goes.

     

  • maria73432
    maria73432 Lesley998

    Posted

    Hello Lesley. I am sorry too, that you are having such a rough go at it..I am thankful to have found a forum about this topic. Me, too have been having joint pain in my hip and my low back. It seems to move around, but it is quite intense. I also feel stiff all over it feels like my fascia is not pliable and stretchy as it ought to be. If I don't do daily maintenance stretches I feel stiff as a board. I wrote it off to menopausal symptoms. I little while back I started taking Dong Qui or Angelica. It seems to have made a bit of a difference in my joints, but I feel my moods are more stable. I've been reading up on Black Cohosh is supposed to be good for rheumatism and female issues. In case you would want to consider any of these choices please ask a health care practitioner or do research well before attempting this route.Perhaps one of these another herbal combination might be a great and safe alternative to HRT should you consider this. I would like to follow this discussion as I don't talk to women all that often, and not about issues like this so I am happy to have found this. I have that creaking in my joints as well. It feels and sounds very dry and you can hear me coming from a mile away. I just stopped having periods for two months now, but get hot flashes on occasion. Me, have been having heart palpitations and I am no good at multitasking any longer. I also needed to slow down profoundly and really just take some time for myself and invest in nurturing my body and pay attention what is going on inside myself. Not sure if any of this is helping you or you feel in any supported and heard. I read some where the other day that the menopausal years for a woman are like an initiation, like a shamanic ritual. I can relate to that a lot. My whole life and world has been turned upside down. I've had to take the time and write and do a lot of grieving over things from my past, that I have never really let surface. Some days I feel very spaced out, other days even blissful. It'all have to be one day at a time. This can't last forever and boy once all the shedding  of old wounds and sorrows and grinding of the joints and the palpation of the heart is complete it must be a very new phase in a womans' life. I do look forward to this and try to enjoy the journey. I make sure, that I drink enough fluids in the day time, eat avocadoes and coconut oil and some omega three fatty acids. I take fish oil capsules, Vitamin C, as that helps in collagen production. I think what has been good for me was the Don Quai. The one hip, that was really locked in and not very moveable is starting to pop now, which sounds to me like it is loosening up. I also now spend the time and stretch even just very little, but spend the time on and with my body. And deep breathing and meditation helps as well. Wish you well and the very best . MarLoe
  • racegirlnz
    racegirlnz Lesley998

    Posted

    Thank you so much for this great site.  I was starting to think I'd gone a bit bonkers with the pain in my knees and elbows.

    I have just turned 48 and came off the combined oral contraceptive (oestrogen/progesteron) abruptly when I ended up in hospital 6 weeks ago with blood clots in both lungs (bilateral pulmonary emboli) following a misdiagnosed DVT.  I have been on it for a long time (33 years) because of irregular and heavy periods, and as a result, my cycles had been stopped completely for years.  Saved soooo much money on sanitary products!  I've had swollen ankles for a couple of years, started having hot flushes midway through last year, and in January woke up with this excrutiating pain in my right knee.  I could barely walk, and while ok on flat ground once I got going, the getting going part was awfully difficult. X-ray showed no sign of osteoarthritis, and pain is now starting in the other knee. It seems to come and go a bit - some days it's sheer absolute agony, and other days it's just a slight dull ache. I also have what feels like tennis elbow which is very localised pain in point of the left elbow, where the ligament/tendon inserts into the bone.

    I have just changed my doctor (from the one that tried to kill me with the misdiagnosis) and when I had my follow-up visit today for the PE, she said that the joint pain was hormonal and that it was common for the change.  I have to have some blood work done for thyroid and inflammatory markers to be sure, but so utterly relieved that there is a reason for this.  

    I wish I'd known about this aspect of menopause - everyone knows about the hot flushes, the night sweats, the mood swings and the irregularity of periods, but I'd never heard that joint pain could be a problem.

    race

    • sweet_pack_fan
      sweet_pack_fan racegirlnz

      Posted

      I hope yours doesn't get really severe.  I have been in agony since January.  Actually when I started to go through the last year of the change, this is what I presented to my M.D. with first.  He told me it was from overwork as every joint in my body was sore.  I had not done one thing differently than I ever do so I questioned that.  After a few months, it totally went away and as my periods slowed and finally totally quit (I am over a year now without one) the joint pain came back with a vengeance.  Like you, mine is mainly in my knees, writsts and elbows, with the elbows being the worst!  It is in the same exact spot you described and at times is so excruciating I can't sleep at night.  My rhuematologist called it golfer's elbow because it is on the inside joint.  Actually it is not even this because again, I have not done a thing to over work this joint....I just woke up one day and it was like this and the pain has not stopped.  I am now working with a medical massage therapist and it is helping some, but it has not gone away.  I look forward to a day when I may once again be pain free.  Good luck to you.  You are not alone here with this by any means.  So many women I am seeing on this forum are having these types of problems, but yet few doctors (even specialists) will agree it is from menopausal changes.
  • beth82334
    beth82334 Lesley998

    Posted

    Hello Lesley,

    Yes I have horrible joint pain mostly in one hip.  I am 56 and been going through all the normal hell of menopause plus the joint issues.  There really is no help in the medical community except they want to replace your joints which I want no part of.  I am STILL GETTING my period every few months.  Just got the wretched thing this morning again.  The last time I had it it was gushing for 2 weeks 14 days.  I also have rage and anger and I know it stems from M.  hopefully you are better by now.  I have absolutely no moral support family just thinks I am crazy.  Can't get work or stay at work and can't get disability.  Up the river without a paddle.

  • frankie63934
    frankie63934 Lesley998

    Posted

    I have had very similar symptoms.  About 1 year ago I went off birth control pill and immediately hot flashes began.  About 3 months later, the intense pain throughout all my joints began.  My family doctor refused to give me any HRT and recommended a low carb. diet.  It didn't help.  I made an appointment with an OB/GYN and am going to try the HRT.  I know it may not be a fix, but I am to the point where I have to try something.  I feel like I have someone gripping my colar bone area and my hips, elbows, knees, and every other joint in my body aches.  Trying to sleep at night is out of the question.  Ibprophen does nothing to dull the pain and between hot flashes at night and the pain in my joints, I am not sleeping for longer then an hour at a time.  I hope HRT gives me some relief.  I know eventually I will have to go off it and it will probably start again but I need some relief, even if it is temporary.  I hope I get this figured out.

     

  • michele10981
    michele10981 Lesley998

    Posted

    Hi Lesley , I to am having a horrible time with joint pains I'm 52 and been having these problems for a long time I've gained a lot of weight .... My doctor dose not believe in HRT , I get up each day hoping it's going to be a good day , not sure how long it's going to be before I'm through the other side but I hope it's not to long . I've been peri menopausal for about 6 years and it's no fun., if your not happy with what your doctor tells you try and see another doctor .
  • melaniecal2
    melaniecal2 Lesley998

    Posted

    Lesley,

    I searched for something about joint pain today and came across your thread here.

    Did you get better?

    Melanie

  • suz1964
    suz1964 Lesley998

    Posted

    Hi lesley I was diagnosed post menopause just over six weeks ago and have tried numerous things to help with my aches and pains. From devils claw drops, pregabolin to co-codamol now after having a discussion with a work college ive bought serenity cream. Its estrogen based so im away to start using that to see if it makes a difference. Like you im worst in the mornings but have been sleepin badly lately due to pains in my neck, arms and leg during the night also. Ive also git hypothyroidsm but all tests within normal range. Will keep you posted on how I get on. Anything is worth a go like yourself ive got days where i can hardly get out of bed or even lift my grand children. Take care suz x
    • helen16248
      helen16248 suz1964

      Posted

      Hi Suz

      I DONT know about anyone else. I can only speak for myself.

      since going on MACA three months ago turned everything around for me in relation to the awful joint ache and pains I was experiencing.

      I swear to God I haven't looked back since I started using it. I am going to try and go off it for a while to see what happens.

      I find it hard to take myself back to the bad old days when I could barely get out of bed.

      xx

    • beth82334
      beth82334 helen16248

      Posted

      Helen,

      Please tell me more about this Maca.  What brand?  Is it root?  what is the formulation?  Where did ou purchase?

      Beth

  • BellaRubia
    BellaRubia Lesley998

    Posted

    Hi Leslley.  I am wondering how you are feeling those days? 

    I had myself some bad months with all kind of symptoms that were not the regular ones, like palpitations and joint and muscle pain.  As the OTHER symptoms are not recognized by many doctors, even my gyno, it is difficult to.take those disbelieving looks.  But as I said many times already in this forum, I do believe it is only our bodies adapting to the lack of hormons, and somehow we are going to get back on track soon.  Cheers ladies!

    • Sandy07
      Sandy07 BellaRubia

      Posted

      Hi, I've been struggling for 3 yrs with pain in my neck/ shoulder / jaw and surrounding muscles.Have had all tests going, but can't help wondering if it is all related to hormonal changes. I also get stiff fingers, hips and back. All a bit of a nightmare really and can't seem to get the Dr to acknowledge the possibility. I'm currently in the process of coming off of amitriptyline which I have been taking for over 2 yrs. not great but at least I will know the true state of my health without it getting muddled up with tablet side effects. I also hope that we will come through it and it will start to gradually settle. I have adopted a healthy eating regime so hoping this will help to regulate things. Xxx
    • BellaRubia
      BellaRubia Sandy07

      Posted

      Hi Moona, thanks for your reply.  I would not say it is EVERYTHING from menopause/perimonopause.  Of course, it is an aging process,  MENOPAUSE is aging, unfortunately - and that is why many doctors have trouble acepting it is "just" menopause coming.  Only thing is that I doubt we can (literaly) be completely health one day, and the other one we wake up with the 35 symptoms of perimenopause all together. And once all our exams came out negative, the only thing I can think is that there is an hormonal unbalance interfering with everything else. 

      What is very noticeable for me, at least, is that just before my period, I feel great, even look younger!!! As my period is not super regular as it used to be, when I feel exceptionaly well, I know it is close.

      I say we are going back on track because I am already feeling much better, and I am not taking hormons, just made a small change in my food - I have always avoided junk - only this time I would say I am eagerly on the health side, lol. 

      Keep positive! This health regime it is going to help, you will see. And eat/drink lots and lots of ginger, and organic apple cider vinegar with water.

      smile

    • Sandy07
      Sandy07 BellaRubia

      Posted

      Thanks. I'll try the apple cider vinegar. How much do you use?
    • BellaRubia
      BellaRubia Sandy07

      Posted

      I was having some weird things and some strange reactions even to vitamin D, so I thought I was the 0.1% of the unlucky allergic ones, or I had some thyroids problem.  The cider vinegar is said to healp with thyroids, stomach reflux, build up of calcium in the joints, cholesteral, anemy, and so on.  I take 1 table spoom in a glass with water 3 times a day.  Now,that I am feeling better, I take just once a day.  But pay attention in your reactions, of course.  I never had any bad reaction, that is why I recommend.
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